The Islamic State prevents civilians to flee Mosul, according to the Pentagon
Residents of Mosul "held hostage against their will" in the city by the jihadists of the Islamic State organization, who use them as "human shields" against the invasion of Iraqi forces, a Pentagon spokesman said today.
"This is done for several weeks," civilians held hostage in the city "and we have not seen the situation change" after business start Monday, noted master Jeff Davis.
"There is no mass exit of civilians and this is because they keep the hostages by force," stressed he.
The fate during business, 1.5 million inhabitants the second largest city of Iraq raises concerns.
The international coalition and Iraq prepared to hundreds of thousands of people to leave the city, planning to create reception centers and infrastructure for assistance.
But the jihadists could instead try to prevent the population to leave, in order to protect themselves from the bombing thus become even more difficult to capture the city.
Many humanitarian organizations appealed to define safe corridors to allow civilians to leave and to escape the conflict.
Today, the second day of operations, Iraqi forces continued to reach Mosul.
Before they manage to reach the outskirts of the city, where retired 3000-4500 heavily armed jihadists, Iraqi forces must cross the areas controlled by the Islamic State.
"We need to move forward in many extra movements before entering" in the city, stated Davis.
"We are at the beginning, it will take time. Could evolve into a long and hard battle, "said the officer.
The US is assisting Iraqi forces unleashing air strikes, providing logistical support and military advisers.
According to the master Davis, about 100 US military advisers are currently near the frontline, providing assistance to the Iraqi special forces or helping the Iraqi forces to guide the air strikes carried out by the coalition.
Residents of Mosul "held hostage against their will" in the city by the jihadists of the Islamic State organization, who use them as "human shields" against the invasion of Iraqi forces, a Pentagon spokesman said today.
"This is done for several weeks," civilians held hostage in the city "and we have not seen the situation change" after business start Monday, noted master Jeff Davis.
"There is no mass exit of civilians and this is because they keep the hostages by force," stressed he.
The fate during business, 1.5 million inhabitants the second largest city of Iraq raises concerns.
The international coalition and Iraq prepared to hundreds of thousands of people to leave the city, planning to create reception centers and infrastructure for assistance.
But the jihadists could instead try to prevent the population to leave, in order to protect themselves from the bombing thus become even more difficult to capture the city.
Many humanitarian organizations appealed to define safe corridors to allow civilians to leave and to escape the conflict.
Today, the second day of operations, Iraqi forces continued to reach Mosul.
Before they manage to reach the outskirts of the city, where retired 3000-4500 heavily armed jihadists, Iraqi forces must cross the areas controlled by the Islamic State.
"We need to move forward in many extra movements before entering" in the city, stated Davis.
"We are at the beginning, it will take time. Could evolve into a long and hard battle, "said the officer.
The US is assisting Iraqi forces unleashing air strikes, providing logistical support and military advisers.
According to the master Davis, about 100 US military advisers are currently near the frontline, providing assistance to the Iraqi special forces or helping the Iraqi forces to guide the air strikes carried out by the coalition.
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